Leaves and Snow

Have you ever wondered what could happen between the leaves and the snow. What else could change with the colors of fall? What blows in with the winter chill? What else could mark the passing of that time? As I watched the calendar days cross off one by one I lived in a routine that marked time differently than ever before.

I wrote nearly fifteen pages before rest came every Saturday.
I watched almost four seasons of Grey's Anatomy between wearing shorts and wearing gloves.
I danced whenever I could.
I spent mornings in class and afternoons chasing K&T as they giggled, cried, and grew. I learned what it means to me to apply what I have learned to teach children.
I spent nights under the stars. Burrowed into my books and buried by assignments. Staring at ceiling with my roommates as we contemplated how many hours of sleep we could live without to stay up laughing together and finish schoolwork.
I drank two cups of tea a day and found a new appreciation for coffee.
I sat with those I loved.
I realized that sometimes you're not being weak, you are sick. And I found grace for myself.
I was reminded how invaluable true friends are, and how blessed I was to have lived with them.
I began to discover what it is to listen more, to think of oneself less, and to rely on someone else.

I found new friendships and new music, and new vinyls.

And before I was able to think about it the storm of the semester calmed down.
The world stilled.
And I found myself at the end of a journey I had only just begun.
I was finishing the race with honors I had only dreamed of.
I closed my eyes to breathe, and I stepped across a platform...
I stepped out of being a student.

What I've stepped in to I am not quite sure... 

and I can't wait to start figuring it out.